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Manufacturer, distributor or importer license

The motor vehicle manufacturer, distributor or importer license allows a business to manufacture or assemble motor vehicles or do any other work on motor vehicles which constitutes a major manufacturing alteration. A major manufacturing alteration includes installing special bodies or equipment on previously assembled truck chassis, when the special body or equipment forms an integral part of the completed unit and the completed unit is owned by the manufacturer. The license also allows a person to operate as a distributor who sells new motor vehicles to dealers on behalf of manufacturers. Finally, it allows a business to import new motor vehicles to the US. Any manufacturer, distributor or importer employee who contacts dealers or prospective Wisconsin dealers for promotion or supervision purposes must be licensed as a representative license.

To operate as a manufacturer, you must provide the following:

1. Completed application materials available by contacting Wisconsin Department of Transportation's (WisDOT) Dealer & Agent Section at the address, phone or e-mail below.
2. A copy of your manufacturer/dealer selling agreement.
3. A sample photocopy of the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin for each vehicle make manufactured.
4. A copy of vehicle delivery and preparation obligations of dealers.
5. Pictorial brochures (if any).
6. A copy of Certification of Dealer forms for each retail dealer the manufacturer wishes to appoint in Wisconsin.
7. Fees paid to Registration Fee Trust for a two-year licenses: $40 for manufacturer, distributor or importer license, $8 for each representative license, and if eligible for manufacturer plates, $150 for the first two plates, and $10 for each additional plate. Only manufacturers located in Wisconsin are eligible for Wisconsin manufacturer plates. Plates may be used for operating unloaded vehicles on Wisconsin highways during trial tests or in transit. Loaded tractors, trucks or trailers weighing over 8,000 pounds gross, which are owned by the manufacturer or distributor, must display special demonstrator plates for trial purposes.

To operate as a distributor, distributor branch or importer, you must provide the following:

• Items 1-7 above.
• A Manufacturer’s or Importer’s Certificate of Distributor (WisDOT form MV2241) completed and signed by an authorized representative of the manufacturer. The MV2241 form is available by contacting the WisDOT Dealer & Agent Section at the address, phone or e-mail address below.

Apply by mail

It is not currently possible to apply for your manufacturer, distributor or importer license online. You must apply by mail at the address below.

For more information or to request that application materials be mailed to you:

• E-mail: dealers.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
• Call: (608) 266-1425
• FAX: (608) 267-0323
• Write to the address below:

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Questions about the content of this page:
Division of Motor Vehicles, Dealer Section, dealers.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: May 1, 2008